The net metering program is designed for those who generate electricity for their own use. When you generate more electricity than you need, you feed it back to the grid and get a generation credit towards your future electricity use. When you don’t generate enough to meet your needs, you buy it from the grid.
How it works
1. Solar panels convert energy from the sun into direct current (DC) electricity.
2. Inverters convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home or business and our distribution systems use.
3. The electricity your system generates powers your home or business first, and excess is sent to the distribution grid.
4. Your smart meter measures how much of the electricity is supplied by the grid, and how much excess you’ve sent to the grid.
5. Your excess generation is credited to you on your next bill. If you still have generation credits on your anniversary date (March 1), they’ll pay you for the excess electricity at market price.
Eligibility
The net metering program is open to residential and commercial customers. You can participate if your electricity generators meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Owned or leased by you
- Connected to the distribution system (the grid)
- Uses a clean or renewable resource as defined by the Clean Energy Act (such as solar)
- Have an aggregate nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kW
How to apply
1. Review the eligibility criteria
2. Complete your net metering application online. To do so you will need your service provider account number, meter number and the generating system specifications
3. Your service provider will review your application to ensure the system’s setup and configuration meets eligibility and safety requirements, this typically takes 2 weeks. They will notify you once you have been accepted
4. We can now install your customized PV system!
5. We will then have your system inspected by Technical Safety BC. Then, we will send a copy of the electrical contractor’s Authorization and Declaration of Compliance, or Certificate of Electrical Inspection to your service provider.
6. After your service provider has reviewed your inspection documentation, they’ll approve and authorize your connection to the grid. This typically takes about 2 weeks
Within five weeks, your bill will reflect your net metering usage!
Program Contact Information
BC Hydro
(604) 224 9376
Fortis BC
1-866-436-7847
electricity.customerservice@fortisbc.com
